Mayor Jenny Whitney said complaints and safety issues have been raised with Council about
cyclists travelling through the busy family precinct of the Airlie Lagoon.

“As such, Council officers have investigated the installation of a dedicated cycle path around the
outside of the lagoon precinct,” she said.

“This option would have the benefit of separating lagoon users and children more effectively than selecting either one of the two existing pathways through the precinct, as a dedicated cycle path.

“Council is of the opinion that if a separate bike path is not established it will only result in an
increase in accidents and incidents involving cyclists and lagoon users, many of whom are young children.

“The preferred pathway around the outside of the lagoon precinct, next to the ocean, will enable
cyclists to move from the Broadwater car park to the Airlie Central car park.

“The distance of this proposed bike path is approximately 340m long and 2.5m wide with an
estimated cost of $200/linear metre which is $68,000.

“The proposed bike path around the outside of the lagoon may need a 1.2m fence where it is
within 5m of the rock wall to comply with Australian standards.

“The estimated cost of installing a fence on the outside edge of the bike path is estimated to cost
approximately $7,000,” she said

The final route of the bike path will be considered by Council as part of next year’s budget
deliberations, in the meantime improved signage will be installed and increased compliance of
lagoon rules will be enforced.

Ends

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For media enquiries, contact:
Kate Lennox, Communications Manager
Phone: 07 4945 0614, 0427 458 369 or Email: kate.lennox@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au